India has accused Pakistan of increasing its troop deployment along their disputed border, warning that the move signals an "offensive intent" likely to further escalate tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
At a media briefing on Saturday, an Indian military spokesperson said surveillance had detected Pakistani forces moving into forward positions. "Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness," she added, underlining India's commitment to non-escalation, provided Pakistan reciprocates.
The buildup follows an earlier announcement by Pakistan that it launched a military operation against India, targeting multiple bases including a missile storage site in northern India. According to Pakistani authorities, the strikes were in response to Indian missiles fired at three of its air bases, one near Islamabad, with most of those missiles intercepted by air defenses.
These developments mark a significant uptick in cross-border hostilities, sparking concern among regional experts and diplomats. Observers warn that without dialogue or third-party mediation, the cycle of strikes and counterstrikes could spiral, risking a wider conflict with serious implications for regional security and the economy.
As both nations maintain high alert levels, the international community is watching closely for signs of de-escalation or further confrontation. Many believe that sustained communication channels and confidence-building measures will be crucial to prevent an unintended confrontation.
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India says Pakistan increasing troop deployment along border
cgtn.com
